Nuts about Notes

By By Elizabeth Wells, Studio One Networks

Grab a pen and paper to write a few "I love you" notes. How many ways can you say it? Beth S. of Iowa says, "My husband and I have sent notes to each other over the years. This activity reminded me that I've let too much time go by without writing any notes! So, I got with it again. My husband was headed out of town for a couple of days, so I hid some notes in his suitcase. I tucked pink paper-heart notes into his socks, between his shirts, and up his sleeves. I added snack-size chocolate bars here and there."

Lynda Hannan says, "I've been receiving notes from a pretty heart-shaped stickie-note pad with flowers on it for about the last three months. John writes me notes and leaves them in various places, usually on mirrors. I got one [on] Sunday morning to thank me for our awesome Hannan Halloween party we put together. I really appreciated it because we pulled all the final details together in less than 24 hours after our return from vacation".

Part of the fun of leaving notes is strategically placing them in spots that will surprise your spouse. What about one in the briefcase and then another in the date book or calendar? That way you can be there to share your feelings during the day. Notes on the steering wheel will take your love on the road with your spouse. You might place another note in the glove compartment. It may not be found for a while, but think of the anticipation while you wait to hear that it's been found. Place a "good morning" or "good night" greeting on the bathroom mirror, or a midday sentiment to be found inside the refrigerator or in a lunch bag.

"I sent notes thanking Keith for all the things he does, like cooking dinner, doing dishes and all the work he's doing on the house," says Peggy LaClair. "I also made sure to tell him that I love him and that I'm glad he's in my life."

After your spouse has gotten use to receiving your notes, you may want to take your notes to a different level, something more interesting. Create several notes that give directions where the next note can be found, and perhaps a clue about what he or she will find on the final note. Peggy LaClair tried that approach, "I wrote notes, hid them and then wrote a note giving hints on where to find the hidden notes. I made them easy to find and told him how many to look for." That last note can include a small gift, a flower, chocolate, a poem, or even you! Peggy said her husband thought it was kind and considerate of her to write all of the notes.

John Hannan took a different approach to the note hunt. Lynda writes, "John taped an envelope to my mirror and wrote 'do not open until Thursday a.m.' That was the day I was leaving to join him in San Francisco for our 11-year anniversary trip. He left clues to go to what turned out to be a florist, where I picked up three roses with another note to go to a certain store at the mall. That one turned out to be a pretty nightie. O.K, you are thinking, what a guy! Well, unfortunately, in trying to get two kids ready for Grandma's house, preschool, carpool, etc., I didn't start until 4:00 and hit rush hour. He had the locations far apart, and I had to take two tired little ones with me. I almost missed my flight! It is a great memory (and story) now and was super sweet of him to plan!"

Beth S. came up with an election-year innovation. "I also put a McDonald's election year beanie baby (the "correct" one of course!) into my husband's underwear drawer with a note. He got a good laugh when he saw it upon his return home." Beth recommends simple "I miss you" and "drive safely" notes, too.

The LaClairs found that writing notes renewed the element of fun in their marriage. "I think I will continue to write notes and just leave them to be found whenever Keith finds them and hope that he sends some back."

Reports from our reviewing families support the idea that fun and games forge lasting relationships and awesome memories.

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